Podcast Summary: The Latest with Loren LaRosa – Exclusive Sit-Down with Golden Brooks Celebrating Girlfriends’ 25th Anniversary
Introduction
The Latest with Loren LaRosa, hosted by Lauren LaRosa under The Black Effect and iHeartPodcasts, delves into the heart of pop culture, entertainment news, and the conversations that influence and inspire communities. In the episode released on June 24, 2025, Lauren hosts an exclusive sit-down with Golden Brooks to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the iconic television show Girlfriends.
Announcing the 25th Anniversary Art Exhibition
Lauren LaRosa kicks off the episode by introducing a special art exhibition celebrating the 25th anniversary of Girlfriends. Scheduled for June 28 and 29 at the Line Hotel in Los Angeles, the exhibition showcases art pieces created by Black women artists and photographers. This event marks a significant milestone, underscoring the show's enduring legacy and its impact on both television and the art community.
Notable Quote:
"If you've ever seen the show Girlfriends... we have an icon joining us because Ms. Golden Brooks, who plays Maya on the show, will be joining us to talk about an art exhibition..." – Lauren LaRosa [00:15]
Meet the Curators and Artists
Lauren introduces the key players behind the exhibition:
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Delaney George, co-founder of DC DG&CO and the visionary behind Iconic Visions, explains how the project bridges legendary figures like Golden Brooks with contemporary Black women artists across various industries.
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Brittany Bird, a multi-hyphenate artist and creative, shares her excitement about contributing to the exhibition and collaborating with other talented artists.
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Golden Brooks, renowned for her role as Maya Denise Wilkes on Girlfriends, expresses her honor in curating the exhibition and reflects on the show's cultural significance.
Notable Quotes:
"Iconic Visions... partners legends like Golden Brooks here and other people of multiple industries... putting them in the role of the curator." – Delaney George [04:07]
"I am exhibiting a piece in the show and I'm just like heartful." – Brittany Bird [04:57]
"I feel very honored... knowing that the show is still moving and being celebrated and empowering communities..." – Golden Brooks [05:14]
The Enduring Impact of Girlfriends
The conversation delves deep into the profound impact Girlfriends has had over the past 25 years. Golden Brooks highlights how the show revolutionized the portrayal of Black women on television, showcasing their multifaceted lives, fashion, and professional aspirations.
Notable Quote:
"We need more representation and just girlfriends to be able to be in the art space, which I love." – Golden Brooks [05:27]
She further emphasizes the show's role in sparking conversations about Black womanhood, sisterhood, and the complexities of their lives both personally and professionally.
Personal Reflections: First-Time Viewing of Girlfriends
Lauren prompts the guests to share their initial experiences watching Girlfriends, exploring how the show resonated with them personally and culturally.
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Golden Brooks reminisces about the camaraderie among the cast and the show's authentic representation.
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Delaney George shares her memories of watching the show with her mother, highlighting it as a bonding experience.
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Brittany Bird reflects on the aspirational aspects of the characters' lifestyles and fashion, which served as inspiration for her artistic endeavors.
Notable Quotes:
"Girlfriends represents like, a motherly bond for me, because that's something that my mom did together." – Unknown Speaker [10:07]
"The imagery of these Black women... growing up in New Orleans, we just did not see that type of caliber of Black women." – Unknown Speaker [10:45]
"I am exhibiting a piece in the show and I'm just like heartful." – Brittany Bird [11:40]
Rewatching Girlfriends: Gaining New Perspectives
As adults, the guests discuss how rewatching Girlfriends offers different insights compared to their initial viewing. They note that the show's themes of friendship, career struggles, and personal growth become more relatable and impactful with age.
Notable Quotes:
"The rewatch is crazy... I can rewatch it a thousand times and find a different reason why I needed to watch it." – Delaney George [13:09]
"Girlfriends is like that little hug that you need to be like, girl. Like, you're okay." – Unknown Speaker [15:00]
Representation, Code-Switching, and Empowerment
Golden Brooks eloquently discusses the concept of code-switching and the multifaceted roles Black women navigate in various spheres of life. She draws parallels between the characters in Girlfriends and the real-life experiences of the guests, emphasizing the importance of authentic representation in media and art.
Notable Quotes:
"We have to code switch... when we're with our friends, you know, the sister girl. And sometimes we have to put on that hat like Joan in the boardroom." – Golden Brooks [16:02]
"We wear so many hats as women of color... we're a little bit of Maya... the sister girl... Joan... Lynn." – Golden Brooks [16:02]
The Timelessness of Girlfriends
The guests collectively agree that Girlfriends remains timeless due to its authentic portrayal of Black women navigating life’s complexities. The show's ability to resonate across generations, inspire creatives, and foster a sense of community is celebrated as a testament to its enduring legacy.
Notable Quotes:
"I think Girlfriends was sort of the catalyst for a lot of other amazing shows that have come after it." – Golden Brooks [09:56]
"Girlfriends is bad, right?... Definitely. Timeless for sure." – Brittany Bird [14:49]
Conclusion and Call to Action
Wrapping up the episode, Lauren reiterates the details of the upcoming art exhibition, encouraging listeners in LA to attend and engage with the creative works inspired by Girlfriends. She emphasizes the importance of celebrating and continuing the conversation around representation and the cultural impact of the show.
Notable Quote:
"Take a look at all the art pieces... it's going to be a day full of creativity and conversation through the lens of Black women creators." – Lauren LaRosa [19:20]
Lauren closes by thanking the guests and listeners, highlighting the significance of choosing to engage with meaningful conversations and celebrations of culture.
Event Details
- Event: Girlfriends 25th Anniversary Art Exhibition
- Date: June 28-29, 2025
- Location: Line Hotel, Los Angeles
- Featuring: Art pieces by Black women artists and photographers, curated by Golden Brooks, Delaney George, and Brittany Bird.
Final Thoughts
This episode of The Latest with Loren LaRosa not only commemorates a beloved television show but also elevates its legacy by intertwining it with contemporary art and cultural discourse. Through heartfelt conversations and personal anecdotes, the guests illuminate the profound influence Girlfriends has had on their lives and the broader community, making it a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.